IT may have been little more than a ramshackle shed in the centre of a park in Huyton but this modest shelter helped produce some of Liverpool's most celebrated boxers.

IT may have been little more than a ramshackle shed in the centre of a park in Huyton but this modest shelter helped produce some of Liverpool's most celebrated boxers.

The headquarters of Huyton ABC for 25 years, current world champion Peter Culshaw, former world junior champion Alan Vaughan and two time national amateur champion and pro game Commonwealth king Keith Wallace all learned their art there.

The building has now been earmarked for demolition, with a new sports centre and adjoining gym due to be constructed this summer.

And Huyton's current members will say goodbye to their old arena at a special presentation evening at St Aidan's tomorrow.

Mick Macilwee first joined the club in 1977, just three years after its formation, and believes the new headquarters can help Huyton add to its success story.

"We have been moved to temporary accomodation for the time being," he explained "which is basically a knocked through house round the corner.

"But once we're up and running at the new premises we hope to attract even more members."

Currently Huyton boasts 30 junior fighters and 10 seniors.

The new premises will be named after Huyton ABC stalwart Bryn Furlong, a dedicated and devoted coach to the club who died last year.

He was instrumental in the development of Peter Culshaw, who at 17 became the youngest senior ABA champion in history, and Alan Vaughan who achieved arguably the club's most prestigious honour.

In 1990 the outrageously talented youngster travelled to Panama, where he claimed a gold medal at the World Junior Boxing Championships.

Officials hope that lavish new facilities can help produce more champions in that mould.